The Bahamas seems a world away from the political turmoil and violence that has affected some of its Caribbean neighbours. But geography may be catching up with the island chain.

In the past couple of years, the poverty and extreme political instability of Haiti – a mere 90 miles away from Great Inagua, the southernmost Bahamian island – has begun to have an impact on local politics. Every year, growing numbers of desperate Haitians make the perilous sea journey northwards, swelling long-established poor ghettos in Abaco and New Providence, such as Mud and Pigeon Pea.